Head-to-head · Best Instant-film-cameras

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 vs Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 3.3). The gap is mostly about nostalgic beginners — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Instant-film-cameras

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

3.8

$139.99as of Jul 5

The Polaroid Now Generation 2 offers a nostalgic instant camera experience with modern conveniences. Reviewers praised its double exposure mode and retro design, calling it ideal for beginners interested in instant film photography. The camera features a built-in battery, USB charging, and includes a picture frame and lanyard. While some noted its plasticky, heavy build, the overall consensus is that it delivers authentic Polaroid vibes with improved functionality. It's best suited for those wanting an accessible entry point into instant photography rather than serious photographers seeking advanced controls.

Strengths

— Double exposure mode feature for creative photography
— Built-in battery with USB charging capability
— Retro aesthetic with colorful design and vintage-inspired look

Watch-outs

— Plastic feel and heavy build may not appeal to all users
— Requires charging unlike older models with battery-pack film

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Ranked #7 in Best Instant-film-cameras

Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)

3.3

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 offers a nostalgic design with simple operation and app-based creative controls, but its autofocus system is unreliable and the I-Type film is costly and unpredictable. PCMag's Jim Fisher notes that while it maintains the classic Polaroid aesthetic and one-button simplicity, the camera's basic autofocus misses too often to justify its price. The device charges via USB-C and supports both I-Type and 600 film formats, though the latter requires a separate purchase. Casual users seeking ease of use should consider the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 instead, while artsy photographers who prefer Polaroid film may want the $200 Flip model.

Strengths

— Iconic trapezoidal design with classic Polaroid silhouette
— Simple one-button operation with optical viewfinder
— USB-C charging capability with built-in battery rated for 15 packs of film

Watch-outs

— Basic autofocus misses too often to justify cost per use
— Expensive I-Type film that is unpredictable and must be shielded from light during development

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How they stack up

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 offers a retro aesthetic and double exposure mode that the Mini 12 lacks, but it's more expensive and less reliable than the SQ6. Compared to the Evo, it's more analog and lacks digital connectivity, though it's more affordable than the LiPlay Hybrid. Unlike the SQ1, it's less compact and more expensive for similar functionality.

Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)

The Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White) offers app-based controls and creative modes that the Mini 12 lacks, but it's less reliable in autofocus and more expensive than the SQ6. Compared to the Evo, it's more analog and lacks digital connectivity, though it's more affordable than the LiPlay Hybrid. Unlike the SQ1, it's less practical and more expensive for similar features.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Polaroid Now+ Generation 2	Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)
Film Format	i-Type film	I-Type and 600
Lens	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	Built-in rechargeable	Rechargeable battery
Flash	Built-in automatic flash	Accurate, human-friendly flash
Dimensions	150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm	3.8 x 4.4 x 5.9 inches
Weight	0.78 kg	15.9 ounces
Connectivity	Bluetooth	Bluetooth

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